Cornerstone Ceremony
Onlookers and suspended stone at Minnesota State Capitol cornerstone ceremony, July 27,1898
Image courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Used with permission.
The cornerstone of the Minnesota Capitol building was laid on July 27, 1898 with Governor Alexander Ramsey officiating. A copper box within the stone contains a Bible, a number of photographs of Minnesota, the last issued newspapers from Minneapolis and Saint Paul, printed histories of Minnesota, and several copper plates which feature engravings of memorable events in the history of Minnesota, the names of the Capitol Commission members and the architect Cass Gilbert and his assistants. None of the contractors or workers who took part in the construction were included. Note the cornerstone suspended above the spot where it will be laid in the photographs above and below.
Minnesota State Capitol, cornerstone ceremony, July 27, 1898
Image courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Used with permission.
Speakers on platform at State Capitol cornerstone ceremony, July 27, 1898
Image courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Used with permission.
People gathered for the Minnesota State Capitol Cornerstone Ceremony, July 27, 1898. Note the hoists on tracks atop the construction.
Image courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Used with permission.
Alexander Ramsey (September 8, 1815 – April 22, 1903), Territorial Governor & second Governor of Minnesota, who officiated at the laying of the cornerstone for the new State Capitol building in 1898.
Image courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Used with permission.
Documents:
Newspaper article describing the contents of the copper box deposited in the Minnesota State Capitol cornerstone.
St. Paul Globe, July 28, 1898. Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society